Whelan issues brief statement

Dave Whelan

Published:19:22Updated:19:29Monday 24 November 2014

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WIGAN ATHLETIC chairman Dave Whelan has issued a brief statement in response to the Football Association’s decision to investigate him over comments made last week that were deemed by many to be both racist and anti-Semitic.

Whelan, 78, told Sky Sports News HQ in a statement: “Wigan Athletic’s reputation is at stake and I take the matter very seriously.

“I’ve never used any language derogatory to Jewish and Chinese people. They are hard-working people and I respect them enormously.”

The FA, who wrote to Whelan to ask him for his observations, had earlier released a statement which read: “The FA is very concerned to read about the comments that have been attributed to Dave Whelan. We take all forms of discrimination seriously.

“As with all such cases, this will be dealt with as a priority. The investigation is already under way and The FA’s Governance Division have written to Mr Whelan. He has three working days to respond.”